DHS awards $26M contract for detention support services in Batavia, NY to Akima Global Services

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $25,999,897 ($26.0M)

Contractor: Akima Global Services, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2021-01-26

End Date: 2022-01-31

Contract Duration: 370 days

Daily Burn Rate: $70.3K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: DETENTION SUPPORT SERVICES FOR THE BUFFALO FEDERAL DETENTION FACILITY IN BATAVIA, NY.

Place of Performance

Location: BATAVIA, GENESEE County, NEW YORK, 14020

State: New York Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $26.0 million to AKIMA GLOBAL SERVICES, LLC for work described as: DETENTION SUPPORT SERVICES FOR THE BUFFALO FEDERAL DETENTION FACILITY IN BATAVIA, NY. Key points: 1. Contract value of $25.99M for detention support services. 2. Services provided by Akima Global Services, LLC. 3. Contract awarded by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) via U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). 4. The contract type is Firm Fixed Price, indicating predictable costs for the government. 5. Duration of the contract is 370 days. 6. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code is 561612 for Security Guards and Patrol Services. 7. The contract was awarded under Full and Open Competition after Exclusion of Sources. 8. The base contract value is $70,270, with the awarded amount being significantly higher, suggesting substantial tasking or modifications.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The total contract value of $25.99M for 370 days of detention support services appears substantial. Benchmarking against similar contracts for detention facility operations is difficult without more specific service details. However, the base contract value of $70,270 is extremely low compared to the awarded amount, suggesting significant modifications or task orders were issued, which warrants further investigation into the pricing of those additions. The firm fixed-price nature provides cost certainty for the base service, but the escalation to nearly $26M needs scrutiny.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition after Exclusion of Sources.' This designation suggests that while the competition was intended to be open, certain sources were excluded, potentially limiting the pool of bidders. The specific reasons for exclusion are not detailed, but this approach can sometimes lead to less competitive pricing than true full and open competition. Further information on the number of bidders and the rationale for source exclusion would be needed for a complete assessment.

Taxpayer Impact: The exclusion of certain sources, even within a nominally open competition, may have limited the potential for the government to secure the lowest possible price, potentially impacting taxpayer value.

Public Impact

Immigrants in detention facilities managed by ICE will receive support services. The services ensure the safe and orderly operation of the Buffalo Federal Detention Facility in Batavia, NY. The contract supports the Department of Homeland Security's mission to secure the nation's borders and enforce immigration laws. The contract likely supports local employment in the Batavia, NY area through Akima Global Services, LLC.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

The significant difference between the base contract value and the awarded amount raises questions about the initial pricing and subsequent modifications.
The 'Exclusion of Sources' clause in the competition type warrants further investigation to understand its impact on price discovery.
Lack of detailed service descriptions makes it difficult to benchmark the value for money effectively.

Positive Signals

The contract is Firm Fixed Price, which provides cost predictability for the government.
Awarded by a major federal agency (DHS/ICE), indicating a need for essential services.
The contract duration of over a year suggests a stable service provision.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the security and protective services sector, specifically related to government facility management and security. The market for detention support services is often specialized, with a limited number of large government contractors capable of meeting the stringent requirements. Spending in this area is driven by federal immigration policies and enforcement priorities. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically involve other ICE detention facilities or similar federal correctional or detention center contracts.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication that this contract was specifically set aside for small businesses, and the prime contractor, Akima Global Services, LLC, is a large business. Subcontracting opportunities for small businesses may exist, but they are not explicitly detailed in the provided data. The impact on the small business ecosystem would depend on the extent to which Akima Global Services engages small businesses for support services.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the purview of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), a component of the Department of Homeland Security. ICE has contracting officers and program managers responsible for monitoring contractor performance and ensuring compliance with contract terms. Transparency is facilitated through contract databases like FPDS. Inspector General oversight from DHS may also be applicable for investigations into fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

ICE Detention Operations
Federal Law Enforcement Support Services
Immigration and Customs Enforcement Contracts
Homeland Security Contracts
Government Facility Security Services

Risk Flags

Significant cost increase from base to awarded amount
Competition type 'Exclusion of Sources' requires further clarification
Lack of detailed service scope hinders value assessment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $26.0 million to AKIMA GLOBAL SERVICES, LLC. DETENTION SUPPORT SERVICES FOR THE BUFFALO FEDERAL DETENTION FACILITY IN BATAVIA, NY.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is AKIMA GLOBAL SERVICES, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Homeland Security (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $26.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2021-01-26. End: 2022-01-31.

What specific services are included under 'Detention Support Services' for the Buffalo Federal Detention Facility?

The provided data does not detail the specific services encompassed by 'Detention Support Services.' Typically, such contracts can include a range of functions such as facility maintenance, food services, inmate transportation, medical screening, security guard services (though NAICS 561612 suggests this is a primary component), and administrative support. Without a detailed statement of work or contract line item details, it is difficult to ascertain the full scope. The NAICS code 561612 points towards Security Guards and Patrol Services as a core element, but other support functions are likely included given the contract's substantial value.

How does the awarded amount of $25.99M compare to historical spending for similar detention support services at this facility or comparable facilities?

Direct historical spending comparisons for this specific facility and contract are not available in the provided data. However, the awarded amount of $25.99M over approximately one year (370 days) represents a significant expenditure. For context, average daily costs per detainee can vary widely based on location, services provided, and contract structure. If this contract covers a facility with a substantial detainee population, the cost might be within a typical range for large-scale detention operations. However, the large discrepancy between the base contract value ($70,270) and the awarded value ($25,999,896.92) suggests that the majority of the funding was allocated through modifications or task orders, making a direct comparison to the initial base value misleading. A deeper dive into the history of modifications and task orders would be necessary for a robust comparison.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) used to evaluate Akima Global Services, LLC's performance under this contract?

The provided data does not specify the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this contract. However, for detention support services, common KPIs would likely include adherence to security protocols, timely response to incidents, facility cleanliness and maintenance standards, food service quality, inmate welfare and safety metrics, and compliance with all relevant federal regulations and ICE performance standards. Performance evaluations are typically conducted by the contracting officer's representative (COR) or a designated government official throughout the contract period. Failure to meet KPIs could result in contract deficiencies, penalties, or non-renewal.

What is the rationale behind the 'Full and Open Competition after Exclusion of Sources' award type?

The 'Full and Open Competition after Exclusion of Sources' award type indicates that the government initially intended to compete the contract broadly but subsequently excluded certain potential sources. The specific reasons for exclusion are not detailed in the provided summary. Common justifications for excluding sources can include national security concerns, proprietary technology limitations, or the need for specialized capabilities possessed by only a few entities. In some cases, it might stem from prior performance issues with certain contractors or specific requirements that only a limited number of firms can meet. This approach aims to balance competition with the need to secure specific capabilities, but it can potentially limit the breadth of competition and impact price discovery.

What is the potential impact of this contract on the local economy in Batavia, NY, in terms of job creation and support for local businesses?

This contract is likely to have a positive impact on the local economy in Batavia, NY, primarily through job creation by the prime contractor, Akima Global Services, LLC. Detention support services require a significant workforce, including security personnel, administrative staff, maintenance workers, and potentially food service employees. While the exact number of local jobs created is not specified, a contract of this magnitude typically supports dozens, if not hundreds, of positions. Furthermore, Akima Global Services may engage local businesses for supplies, equipment, or ancillary services, further stimulating the local economy. The duration of the contract also suggests a sustained economic contribution.

Are there any known performance issues or past controversies associated with Akima Global Services, LLC regarding similar government contracts?

The provided data does not contain information on past performance issues or controversies related to Akima Global Services, LLC for this specific contract or similar contracts. A comprehensive assessment of contractor track record would require reviewing past performance evaluations, contract award histories, and any documented disputes or investigations. Akima Global Services is a large government contractor with a broad portfolio, and like many large firms, may have faced various performance reviews across its contracts. Without access to specific performance reports or public records of disputes, it is not possible to definitively assess their track record in this context.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services › Investigation and Security Services › Security Guards and Patrol Services

Product/Service Code: UTILITIES AND HOUSEKEEPING › HOUSEKEEPING SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: HSCEDM-14-R-00005

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 3901 OLD INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT RD STE 200-G, ANCHORAGE, AK, 99502

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Alaskan Native Corporation Owned Firm, Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Minority Owned Business, Native American Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $25,999,897

Exercised Options: $25,999,897

Current Obligation: $25,999,897

Actual Outlays: $25,621

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: HSCEDM15D00002

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline